GOVERNOR RUN: Olson Considers Options

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Iowa Representative Tyler Olson, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, confirmed on Channel 13's The Insiders that he is considering two other jobs. Olson has serious interest in becoming the next Iowa Democratic Party Chairman. Current Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky's term expires later this month.

Olson also said he has had discussions with prominent Iowa Democrats about becoming a candidate to run against Republican Governor Terry Branstad in the 2014 election. Olson didn't offer a timetable in his decision about whether to run for governor. But he now includes his name among others in the field of Democrats considering a candidacy.

Former Governor Chet Culver, 1st District Congressman Bruce Braley and state Senator Jack Hatch, of Des Moines, are also considering gubernatorial runs. In recent weeks on The Insiders, former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge (Culver's former running mate) and Andy McGuire (Mike Blouin's 2006 lieutenant governor candidate) both downplayed any speculation they might seek a run in 2014, although McGuire didn't completely rule it out.

Senator Brad Zaun, an Urbandale Republican, also contributed to the 2014 speculation. He wouldn't rule out a run against Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, who hasn't announced whether he will seek another term.